|
In the 60's youngsters came forward to construct a
football playground. Fund was raised, land was bought,
after many negotiations. Cut down huge cashew trees in
the scorching sun. Land was prepared. Truck loads of red
clay was spread over the sand. I remember the festive mood
on each and every face who volunteered their time and effort for
constructing the ground, it was a hard work. Being a child I
couldn't participate then, but only watched their enthusiasm.
Weeks became months, at last a beautiful playground
was made. Ball started bouncing, the tactics and the pace of
the game was changed for ever and so is height of the spirit.
Jai Hind playground stands as the mark of unity of the people.
Not produced any national or state players, but many
university and college players. Potential is plenty and the leadership
is null. Though there is a national
Basketball coach in Puthenthope, he couldn't influence the
soccer players, who's presently with G. V. Raja Sports' School. We use
the same playground for other sports as well, and for cricket
since '76. New
generation is attaining new heights, and I am glad to hear that we had an
excellent football player who wear the state uniform in juniors' rural
tournament. The question is how far we can take him and many other
promising players in a place where nasty politics plays the real game. Motto is pastime, and hence accomplishment doesn't count much.
This stadium is the venue of Jai Hind Football Tournament
and the
Christmas sports every year which is a remarkable community
event of five hours full of fun, spirit and energy.
|
|